Elderberry has been with man for a long time. It has existed for centuries, and has earned quite a reputation. From esteemed, to feared, and respected, even evil reputations, depending on the century or country in question. It is a member of the honeysuckle family. The word “Elder” is believed to come from the Anglo-Saxon word aeld, which means fire.
However, some suggest its generic name sambucus come from a Greek musical instrument, sambuke, supposedly made from Elderberry wood. As a musical instrument it was used to make music to heal the spirit, they say. Elderberry has always had some therapeutic connotations attached to it; the cross of Christ was made from the Elderberry tree. Thank God for Elderberry!
For centuries the plant has had contrasting and conflicting reputations: carpenters feared a cradle made from its wood would bring harm to babies; when gathered on the last day of April, it was believed to keep witches at bay hung on windows and doors; and at the same time it attracted witches after dark. It was known to indicate imminent illness if seen in a dream. Superstition or not, it has to do with sickness and health!
Elderberry has also been revered for its great therapeutic powers. In fact, seventeenth-century herbalist, John Evelyn called it a remedy “against all infirmities whatsoever” because it was such a healthful plant. Another physician is said to tip his hat in respect every time he passed the plant.
One amusing historical fact about Elderberry comes from the late 20th century when dishonored wine traders added Elderberry juice to cheap port to make it look and taste expensive. They were outlawed and Elderberry was banned until a sailor’s claim gave them partial vindication. He told his doctor a drunken binge on such “fine port” was a great remedy for rheumatism. Doctors investigated the claim; found it to be true; and started prescribing Elderberry juice in port.
Elderberry juice is known to trigger the body’s resistance to infections and diseases as well as aiding cellular restoration. Fresh juice of the berries is high in potassium and mildly laxative and promotes perspiration. It helps expel bronchial mucus to relieve asthma; it relieves colds, cholera and sore throat. In Europe, the berries have been used for all kinds of nervous complaints, including sciatica, lumbago and general inflammation.
Botanical name: Sambucus spp.
Description: A perennial bush that is almost a tree. It stands from six to 12 feet high with compound leaves divided
into opposing, serrate-edged leaflets. In bloom in the early summer, it
displays flat-topped clusters of tiny whitish blossoms with an intense
bittersweet scent; and smooth dark colored berries that appear in large
bunches.
Properties: Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Bitter, Detoxicant, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, febrifuge, Laxative, Stimulant.
Origin: Native to Europe, Northern Africa, Asia, United States, and Britain.
Aliases: American Elder, holy wood, boon tree, bore tree, bull tree, Devil’s wood, dog tree, Judas tree, pipe tree, scaw, white aller.
Useful Parts: Aged bark, flowers, berries, leaves, stems and roots.
Uses: acid stomach, colitis, cholera, congestion, constipation, fever, flu, inner-ear infections, Rheumatism, swollen tonsils, sciatica, viruses, sore throat, syphilis, lumbago, irritable
bowel syndrome, hay fever, etc.
Forms: Dried encapsulated berries, dried blossoms, poultices, tinctures, extract, tea, lotions, syrups, ointment, and wine.
Caution: Bark and leaves contain toxins; and maybe potent remedies.
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For over two thousand years it has been used to treat coughs, colds, headache, gout, epilepsy, jaundice, palsy, scrofula, skin eruptions, and of course rheumatism. Folk medicine practitioners valued it as some kind of wild pharmacy, using it as a diaphoretic, diuretic, hydragogue, laxative, and gargle. It is one of a few herbs in the herb kingdom having parts with varying uses. The flower, fruit, bark, leaves, stems and roots all possess differing medicinal properties.
In England, people often took a teaspoon of Elderberry syrup to protect them from winter illness, including sore throat, as it helped expel bronchial mucus and relieves respiratory inflammation. It comes highly recommended by herbalist, ancient and modern, as a gentle decongestant and expectorant for colds and respiratory congestions.
Therein lay Elderberry’s claim to fame: cold medicine. However, its flower is considered one of the greatest and most versatile herbs in the treatment of disease. This is due to its ability to detoxify the body of toxic waste, especially at the cell level. It increases blood circulation and promotes sweating: very useful for bringing down fevers, and in treating bronchitis.
Elderberry Vs Flu Virus
Recent European researches demonstrated that Elderberries have antiviral activity, which helps buttress their historical use for treating colds, coughs, and flu. The plant contains essential oils (terpenes), bioflavonoids (rutin, quercetin), mucilage and tannins, which earns it a dynamic reputation in natural healing.
Two of its active components derived from its proteins have been demonstrated to obliterate eight strains of the influenza virus. Several studies were performed in the 1980s to dispute this claim. In one of such studies, 90% of the patients who received Elderberry syrup showed an increase in immune function, and were completely cured of various strains of influenza in seventy-two hours, while the placebo group only showed significant improvement after six days.
This suggests Elderberry may be a viable alternative to the influenza vaccine, which is not only effective against two or three strains, but is also known to cause side effects in a significant percentage of those who are vaccinated.
Other constituents of the herb display sedative and analgesic properties, making it useful for people of all ages. Elderberry is also a natural diuretic that reduces swelling, especially the kind common in respiratory infections. As it stimulates toxic elimination from various elimination channels through perspiration, expectoration, diuretic and laxative actions, the body heals rapidly.
Elderberry is high in vitamins A (beta carotene) and C, both known to strengthen immunity. It is also high in potassium; a good source of iron (essential for the production of bacteria-destroying enzymes and oxidants), and bioflavonoids.
Elderberry blends well with other herbs. Its flowers make an excellent remedy for colds, flu, fever and stomachaches when extracted in water and glycerin along with fresh mint and Yarrow. The leaves are useful topically for wounds, ulcerations, bruises, sprains and other skin afflictions. The inner bark is a bitter herb, and therefore possesses potent laxative effects. When dried and aged, its laxative effect is lessened, just like Cascara sagrada.
It is excellent for infections, especially when combined with Golden Seal and Yarrow; best combined with Mullein for lung congestions and asthma, and blends (flower) with Eyebright and Golden Seal to make good eyewash.
Other uses of the herb include to dye hair, to fade freckles, soothe sunburn, lighten blond hair (flower hair wash), insect repellant (fresh leaves and blossoms), to make wine, to make comb and mathematical instruments, and to soften skin.
American Indians pushed out the pith from its stem and to make flutes. They called Elderberry “the tree of music.” My personal favorite use of the herb is to make breakfast syrup. Hmm, hmm hmm! A pancake or waffle breakfast has never been so good!
There are no known side effects to using Elderberry; however, caution is needed when using the herb. The bark for example, may be too strong a laxative unless dried and aged. Generally, it is considered a very safe herb.